Carnaval has come to Alicante!
Yesterday was day 1 of the 6 day celebration that comes before Ash Wednesday. Carnaval is the same holiday as Mardi Gras; it's the last chance to live in excess and be sinful before the 40 day period of fasting and penance that precede Easter. Mardi Gras, in the US is a one day masquerade with lots of drinking and eating, but in Spain Carnaval is a mix of that and Halloween with a touch of your favorite rock concert thrown in.
Last night there was a short parade down the Rambla. The parade included a group of drummers, two sets of large multiperson dragon costumes and lots of sparklers!
Tonight there is another parade and all the kids in town will be dressed in their Carnaval costumes at school today. Tomorrow is the real celebration; tomorrow night the entire town of Alicante will be on the Rambla in costume to drink and eat and enjoy the festivities that include a giant catwalk (for showing off your costume) and multiple live bands!
Stay tuned for more updates on how things go, and for pictures!
I'm going as a pirate..."YARRRRR!"
